I worked both horses in the arena, last night. Cruiser is being consistent and each ride he’s improving slightly. At this rate, he will be 30 years old by the time I get him where I want him. We worked mostly on straightness. He has been bending to the right when going to the left. This never used to be so prominent, so I think that some of it might be the stiffness of old age. If Cole had the same problem, I would know it was more me than Cruiser. We added small circles to the right to our routine, practicing our bend—something he was reluctant to do. When I went back on the wall and he bent out, I was able to correct him—for a few strides. We’ll get it, I’m sure.

Cole did very well on his ride, though not quite as good as the day before when he stayed in his lovely, big trot most of the time. Last night, he was really good the first 15 minutes of trotting, and then he started to lose focus. I think he got tired—both from this ride and possibly the day before when he worked so hard. I know I was tired by then. We then switched to walking exercises for a while. When we went back to the trot, he was back to trotting lovely. I only did a few more minutes so we could end on a good note.

I then went and lounged my boyfriend’s horse, Starry, while he was watering the barn. I have re-taught Starry to lounge a number of times over the years—and then my boyfriend un-teaches him. We had some trouble the first 5 minutes, but I didn’t give up (like my boyfriend usually does) and soon, Starry was trotting around relaxed and happy. I got my boyfriend to give it a try, and he did well for him, too. Hurray! He doesn’t ride him in the arena if he can’t get him down trail. This gives him something else to do other than leading or chasing him about all winter.

I hayed the horses. I think we are at 35, now. On the last one, all my problems rushed back into my head, and I sighed. I had been able to forget them for a few hours. Now, I felt the same sadness that I had when I pulled into the driveway. (My dad is having health problems.) At least I had a little break from it. Horses are great for getting me to live in the moment.